Wild and Fired BBQ Experience in Ireland

Discover the Unique Wild & Fired BBQ Experience in Northern Ireland

The Wild & Fired BBQ School offers an engaging 4-hour outdoor cooking adventure in the historic Brook Hall Estate & Gardens in Derry-Londonderry. Priced at $211.96 per person, this tour combines heritage storytelling, fire-cooking skills, and a shared meal in a picturesque setting overlooking the River Foyle. The experience is perfect for those who enjoy hands-on culinary activities and want to deepen their appreciation for local Irish produce.

What truly sets this tour apart is the emphasis on building and managing fires and the opportunity to cure, cook, and taste using seven different types of barbecues and grills. The tour is well-suited for adults and older teens, especially those eager to learn fire management techniques and connect with nature through the land’s culinary heritage. With an intimate group size capped at 30 travelers, the tour maintains a friendly, personalized atmosphere.

Key Points

• Hands-on fire-building and cooking with expert guidance
• Local, slow-farmed ingredients for a flavorful, quality meal
• Seven types of barbecues and grills used during the experience
• Includes a substantial fire-cooked lunch and snacks throughout
• Access to the estate’s gardens and woodland walks
• Paired with a local IPA beer and soft drinks for a complete experience

Starting Point at Brook Hall Estate & Gardens

The tour begins at Brook Hall Estate and Gardens, located at 65-67 Culmore Rd, Londonderry. The activity kicks off at 10:30 am, and the meeting point is straightforward to find, with near public transportation options. The day involves a mix of guided walks through the estate’s gardens and hands-on fire-cooking activities.

Travelers should be prepared for outdoor weather and walking, as the experience takes place across the estate grounds. The tour concludes back at the same meeting point, with ample time to enjoy the surroundings and the meal created together. The flexibility of the schedule—especially in good weather—is a highlight.

Exploring the Historic Brook Hall Estate and Gardens

Participants get a guided walk through the private grounds of Brook Hall Estate, where they learn about the history, horticulture, and landscape design of this scenic location. The estate’s enchanting gardens set a peaceful scene for the day, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The estate’s lush grounds are complemented by stories about the area’s history, adding an educational touch to the outdoor experience. This walk provides a relaxing prelude to the more active fire-cooking part of the tour, making it suitable for those who enjoy nature and history combined.

Building and Managing Fires with Expert Guidance

A major feature of this tour is learning how to build and control fires using responsibly sourced hardwoods. The guides—Norm and Emily—are described as knowledgeable and generous with information, helping participants refine their fire management skills.

This segment is designed to be practical and fun, emphasizing temperature control over cooking time. Participants get hands-on practice with fire safety gear and premium UK and Irish equipment, ensuring both learning and safety. This focus on fire management techniques makes the experience stand out from more traditional BBQ tours.

Cooking on Multiple Types of Barbecues and Grills

The cooking portion involves seven different types of barbecues and grills, giving participants a broad understanding of various fire-cooking methods. This variety not only keeps the experience interesting but also exposes everyone to different flavors and textures achievable with each grill.

The wood-fired meal prepared together includes seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, which highlights how slow farming influences Northern Irish produce. The meal features tasty, tender slow-cooked beef and barbecued chicken, as well as fire-cooked snacks enjoyed throughout the day.

Tasting Local Flavors with Quality Beverages

The experience includes a pairing of a local IPA beer with the meal, alongside soft drinks, including McDaids local sodas. The award-winning sauces and seasonings used in the meal elevate the flavors, giving a true taste of Northern Irish culinary craftsmanship.

The lunch is substantial, thoughtfully prepared, and served in the scenic setting, allowing participants to relax and savor the fruits of their labor. The fire-cooked snacks that accompany the day add extra enjoyment and variety.

All Equipment and Safety Gear Provided

All necessary fire-cooking equipment and safety gear are supplied, making the experience accessible to beginners and those more experienced in outdoor cooking. This inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of skill level, can participate confidently.

Participants benefit from expert coaching and support throughout, ensuring they refine their skills while enjoying a fun, educational day outdoors. The emphasis on safety and proper technique adds peace of mind, especially for those new to fire-cooking.

Considerations and Practical Details

The tour requires a minimum of 8 guests to run, with a maximum of 30 travelers, maintaining an intimate group size. Since the experience is outdoor and weather-dependent, travelers should dress appropriately and wear comfortable walking shoes.

The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so planning around the weather forecast is advised. Service animals are permitted, and the provider is experienced in accommodating diverse dietary needs.

Why This Tour Delivers a Genuine Connection to Land and Land-Craft

Connecting with nature and land through the provenance of ingredients is central to this experience. The guides encourage participants to appreciate the land’s role in producing quality food, creating a full sensory experience—from the aroma of hardwoods to the taste of the meal.

This focus on land-based cooking and heritage storytelling makes it more than just a BBQ; it’s a meaningful way to understand local traditions and sustainable practices.

Final Thoughts on the Wild & Fired BBQ Experience

The Wild & Fired BBQ School offers a rich, hands-on outdoor cooking experience that combines heritage, skills, and flavor in a stunning estate setting. The expert guidance from Norm and Emily earns praise for their generosity and knowledge, making this an ideal choice for adventurous food lovers and those eager to master fire-cooking techniques.

While weather can impact the experience, the provision of all equipment and scenic walk through the estate make it a rewarding outing. The local food pairing and multiple grill types ensure a satisfying meal and memorable day. This tour appeals most to individuals seeking practical skills, delicious food, and outdoor enjoyment in an authentic Irish setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults and older teens, especially those interested in cooking and outdoor activities.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and walking shoes, as the experience is outdoors and weather-dependent.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the provider has ample experience catering to diverse dietary needs.

Can I participate if I have no outdoor cooking experience?
Absolutely, all equipment and safety gear are provided, and guides are knowledgeable to support beginners.

What is included in the price?
The price covers fire-cooking equipment, safety gear, a substantial fire-cooked lunch, snacks, local beverages, and an estate walk.

What type of beverages are served?
A local IPA beer is paired with the meal, along with a selection of soft drinks including McDaids sodas.

How many people participate in each tour?
Tours have a maximum of 30 travelers to ensure a quality, personalized experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is required, and confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
Yes, good weather is necessary. If canceled due to poor weather, a different date or full refund is offered.

Where exactly does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Brook Hall Estate & Gardens on Culmore Road in Londonderry.